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Topic Review (Newest First)

02-11-2013 05:53 PM

sailor

As you're guessing, the car may be smart - but not smart enough to know if the oil was changed unless you tell it! So it's been counting miles, starts etc. since the last time it "knew" it had fresh oil to determine when it should be changed next - and that time just came up!

Unless you REALLY distrust Carmax, it would seem reasonable that they did an oil change, since the "sticker" mileage you report matches the usual 3,000 mi. between changes the oil change franchises promote for repeat business....

02-11-2013 05:26 PM

Zeeky

Maybe I am remembering incorrectly, but even if the oil is changed, some counter or gauge or something needs to be reset, correct?

I got my car from Carmax recently, and it had 9500 miles on it. Today, at around 10250, the oil change prompt started coming up. However, the sticker on the window says 12560 is the next scheduled mileage point.

Is it possible that Carmax didn't change the oil at all in this car? Or did they just forget to reset a sensor (much in the same way I reset the MPG counter or trip reader whenever I fill up my car).

12-08-2012 11:53 PM

tvfocus

I initially changed the oil and oil filter at 2,388 miles. The second oil change (oil & filter) was at 12,278 miles. I changed just the oil filter at 20,297. At 26,500 miles the "oil change message" finally came on. I plan on changing the oil and filter in a couple of days. I have used only Amsoil 5W-20 Signature Series oil and Amsoil oil filters. Not sure why it took over 26,000 miles, but the oil is still pretty clear so I am not all that worried.

Also I am not sure if just changing the oil resets the message or if it will take cycling the keys or something to get the message to clear.

11-22-2011 04:45 PM

FordService

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan50

Natasha, it's great that you and Ford monitor these websites and patiently try to help owners.

Honestly though, these responses don't help. I expect it's true that some of the DCT complaints were because it behaves "differently", but for most it was resolved only when Ford decided to fix it with a TSB.

As to the oil life monitor, I'd bet if you polled owners a good majority would like to have the option of seeing how things were going before being surprised by the "change oil soon" light.

Thank you for the feedback, though I am sorry you feel my responses were unhelpful. If you would like to submit your request for the oil life percent to Ford engineers, you can do so at FordSocial.

Let me know if you decide to go with the Focus!

~Natasha

11-22-2011 02:45 PM

dan50

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordCustomerService

It is simplified by lighting with ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON at 5% of the oil life remains, and OIL CHANGE REQUIRED at 0%.

As for the transmission, many initial concerns were simply customers getting used to the dual-clutch, which has different sounds and sensations than a basic automatic.

I hope that eases your worries.

~Natasha

Natasha, it's great that you and Ford monitor these websites and patiently try to help owners.

Honestly though, these responses don't help. I expect it's true that some of the DCT complaints were because it behaves "differently", but for most it was resolved only when Ford decided to fix it with a TSB. This problem should have been so obvious to the engineering staff before any sales occurred it can't help but raise concerns about what other issues were also ignored or missed and may cause problems as miles accumulate.

As to the oil life monitor, I'd bet if you polled owners a good majority would like to have the option of seeing how things were going before being surprised by the "change oil soon" light. If this were the case, you wouldn't be answering questions about whether or not the things were working.

I'm not saying the Focus isn't a good car, I'm just saying it's not without its issues.

11-21-2011 05:23 PM

FordService

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan50

Thanks for the response - I gather there is no particular logic to not having this feature. It says something about how Ford views its customers when they deploy tons of technology to enable them to verbally call up a play list but prohibit them from accessing really useful information the car has on board. This is supposed to be a "driver's car", right?

If I can get over this, and the MFT/Sync and 6 speed transmission issues, and the unavailability of Sirius on a non-MFT SEL, I could be a buyer. That is a bit to get over, though.

It is simplified by lighting with ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON at 5% of the oil life remains, and OIL CHANGE REQUIRED at 0%.

As for the transmission, many initial concerns were simply customers getting used to the dual-clutch, which has different sounds and sensations than a basic automatic.

I hope that eases your worries.

~Natasha

11-21-2011 01:56 PM

dan50

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordCustomerService

Oil life percent is not a feature offered on the Focus, but if you decide to change the oil prior to the reminder coming on, there are steps listed in the Owner's Guide for resetting the system.

Any other questions that I can answer to help with your decision? I want to see you in a Focus.

~Natasha

Thanks for the response - I gather there is no particular logic to not having this feature. It says something about how Ford views its customers when they deploy tons of technology to enable them to verbally call up a play list but prohibit them from accessing really useful information the car has on board. This is supposed to be a "driver's car", right?

If I can get over this, and the MFT/Sync and 6 speed transmission issues, and the unavailability of Sirius on a non-MFT SEL, I could be a buyer. That is a bit to get over, though.

11-21-2011 01:27 PM

FordService

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan50

Natasha, while you are at it, can you please explain the logic if not being able to access the "remaining oil life" % by any means? I gather even the "vehicle health report" does not use the oil life monitor to estimate next service date. Some of us may prefer to change oil when the monitor is at, say 30%, which can't be done in a Focus.

I'm on the fence as to buying a Focus or Cruze and in this case, what Chevy makes absolutely simple, Ford makes impossible.

Oil life percent is not a feature offered on the Focus, but if you decide to change the oil prior to the reminder coming on, there are steps listed in the Owner's Guide for resetting the system.

Any other questions that I can answer to help with your decision? I want to see you in a Focus.

~Natasha

11-21-2011 12:29 PM

dan50

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordCustomerService

All dealers have resources to document issues such as these, and they are reviewed for trends, so I am glad you brought it to their attention. Thanks!

~Natasha

Natasha, while you are at it, can you please explain the logic if not being able to access the "remaining oil life" % by any means? I gather even the "vehicle health report" does not use the oil life monitor to estimate next service date. Some of us may prefer to change oil when the monitor is at, say 30%, which can't be done in a Focus.

I'm on the fence as to buying a Focus or Cruze and in this case, what Chevy makes absolutely simple, Ford makes impossible.

11-21-2011 10:29 AM

FordService

Quote:

Originally Posted by csvt2060

OK Natasha, I let my dealer know so they can report it to ford. Whether they do or not that's another story.

All dealers have resources to document issues such as these, and they are reviewed for trends, so I am glad you brought it to their attention. Thanks!

~Natasha

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